Friday, 31st May, 2013
New Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has presented the club’s sporting director Riccardo Bigon with the names of four of his former players, as the Azzurri plot their summer transfer strategy.
Benitez, who has penned a two-year deal with Napoli, has been promised backing as he bids to help the side improve on their second place finish in Serie A last season.
And according to Italian daily Il Mattino, the Spanish tactician wants to turn to trusted hands to help him achieve his goals.
On the list handed over to Biggon are Liverpool players Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Lucas Leiva, along with Barcelona star Javier Mascherano.
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All played under Benitez during his reign at Liverpool from 2004 until 2010.
Now Benitez is eyeing working with the four again and tempting them to Italy, with the promise of Champions League football and a Serie A title challenge on the Neapolitan Riviera.
Skrtel has been linked with an exit from Liverpool, following sliding down the defensive pecking order during the second half of the season, while Agger was wanted by Manchester City last summer.
Lucas meanwhile was brought to Anfield by Benitez, who placed much trust in his feet.
And Mascherano has found holding down a regular starting eleven spot at Barcelona to be less than straightforward.
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